Espalmador island can only be reached by sea: there is no scheduled ferry and no harbour, so the practical way to visit from Ibiza is a boat or sailing trip that anchors in S’Alga bay. Full-day Formentera trips that stop at Espalmador start at €89 per person, with food and drinks included.
This small, privately owned island sits between the northern tip of Formentera and the south of Ibiza, and it is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park. That is why it remains almost untouched: no hotels, no beach bars, no roads. Just white sand, juniper trees, dunes and turquoise water that easily rivals Ses Illetes.
Boat trips that stop at Espalmador
These are the options in our catalogue that combine Formentera and Espalmador, grouped by the kind of day you are after:
| Activity | Price from | Duration | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-inclusive Formentera day trip with 3 stops | €110 | 1 day | 4.7 (2,200 reviews) |
| Formentera cruise with 3 meals, open bar and sunset party | €99 | 12 h | 4.7 (1,170 reviews) |
| Formentera cruise with 2 meals and ferry return | €89 | 10 h | 4.7 (226 reviews) |
| Sailing trip to Formentera with beach stops | €120 | 7 h | 5.0 (227 reviews) |
| Full-day boat tour with lunch and snorkelling | €89 | 9 h | 4.3 (373 reviews) |
| Es Vedrà and Formentera tour from San Antonio | €155 | 12 h | 4.1 (1,337 reviews) |
Stops always depend on the wind and sea conditions, so check each listing to see whether Espalmador is included on your date. When there is a swell, skippers often swap it for a more sheltered cove.
How to get to Espalmador
On an organised trip from Ibiza
This is the easiest option. Boats leave from Ibiza port, Playa d’en Bossa or San Antonio, cross the strait known as Es Freus and drop anchor off S’Alga. From there you swim ashore or take the tender to the beach. The all-inclusive trip with 3 stops is the most-reviewed trip in the catalogue and usually pairs Espalmador with Ses Illetes and a snorkelling cove.
By sailing boat
For a calmer day, the sailing trip to Formentera with beach stops takes small groups and has a perfect score from its guests. A yacht can linger at anchor and arrives without the engine noise of the bigger boats, which suits Espalmador’s quiet character.
Independently from Formentera
If you are already on Formentera, the tip of Es Trucadors at the end of Ses Illetes is separated from Espalmador by a shallow channel. Some people wade across, but it is not a good idea: currents can be strong, the seabed shifts and there are rescues every summer. If you want to go independently, use your own boat or a crossing service. Still need to get to Formentera first? The return ferry ticket from Ibiza starts at €55 per person.
What to see and do on Espalmador
- S’Alga beach: the long crescent of white sand where boats anchor. It is the classic Espalmador view and the best place to swim.
- Dunes and juniper woodland: marked paths cross the island. Stay on them; the dunes are fragile and protected.
- Sa Guardiola tower: an old defence tower in the north, a handy landmark if you go for a walk.
- Snorkelling: the sand and seagrass around the bay give excellent visibility on calm days.
Rules worth knowing
Espalmador is private land inside a protected natural area, so the rules are clear. The famous mud baths in the inland lagoon have been banned for years to protect the ecosystem, even though you will still see old photos promoting them. Camping, fires and leaving rubbish are not allowed either. Anchoring in S’Alga bay is regulated to protect the posidonia seagrass, with a buoy field in high season. On an organised trip the skipper handles all of that; you just need to stick to the paths and take your litter home.
Practical tips from people who know it
- Pick a calm day: S’Alga faces north. With a northerly wind the sea gets choppy and the stop may be cancelled, so check the forecast before booking.
- June and September are better: in August the bay fills with yachts and the desert-island feeling fades.
- Pack water shoes: the sand is soft, but they help on rocky patches and when climbing off the boat.
- Water and sun cream: there are no facilities at all, and almost no shade beyond the junipers.
- Dry bag: if you swim ashore, it is the only way to keep your phone and towel dry.
- Ignore the mud photos: the most common mistake. Bathing in the lagoon is forbidden and can lead to a fine.
If you are torn between ferry, boat and sailing trip, our guide to getting to Formentera from Ibiza compares every option. You can book securely through GetYourGuide, an Ibiza 360 partner, and browse more ideas in the activities catalogue.
Espalmador FAQ
Is there a ferry to Espalmador?
No. There is no scheduled ferry and no harbour on the island. You arrive on a boat trip, a sailing trip or your own vessel, and go ashore by swimming or by tender.
Can you walk to Espalmador from Formentera?
There is a shallow channel off Es Trucadors, but the currents are dangerous and wading across is not recommended. A boat is the safe option.
How much does a trip to Espalmador cost?
In our catalogue, Formentera trips with an Espalmador stop start at €89 per person including lunch, and the small-group sailing trip starts at €120 per person.
Why is Espalmador a private island?
It has belonged to private owners for generations, but it is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park. Visitors may enjoy its beaches and paths as long as they follow the conservation rules.
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